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It’s Tea Time: How to Make Your Favorite Teas at Home

It’s tea time! Whether you’re a casual or daily tea drinker, October is the perfect time to cuddle up with a big blanket and a warm, cozy brew. Drinking tea isn’t just good for the soul—studies show that tea can have a host of health benefits, ranging from protecting your teeth to strengthening your heart, to even staving off cancer. Though most teas are generally rich in antioxidants and can help with proper hydration, every tea has its own list of unique benefits—and many of these teas are easy to make at home! Below, we’ve listed the health benefits of our favorite eclectic teas—matcha, ginseng and hibiscus—with step-by-step instructions for at-home brewing.

Shake Your Matcha Maker
Perhaps the “It Tea” of 2016, matcha is a special version of green tea that powders and boils the leaves, giving the drink a rich, frothy texture. Because drinkers ingest the whole leaves in this popular brew, matcha is rich in antioxidants known as polyphenols, which are tied to regulation of blood pressure and blood sugar, protection against heart disease and anti-aging. Here’s an easy way to prepare this delicious, trendy tea with utensils you already own at home.

What you’ll need:

One deep ceramic bowl (warm in the microwave or oven before using)

Wire whisk

One teaspoon of matcha powder

Two ounces of steaming water

Directions:
Pour one teaspoon of matcha into the warm ceramic bowl, and then add two ounces of steaming water. Quickly whisk the mixture for one or two minutes and continue until the powder is fully blended and a layer of foam coats the top of the mixture. Serve in your favorite teacup or mug and enjoy!

Gung-ho for Ginseng

Ginseng is an ancient root used for thousands of years in both traditional and herbal medicines. The ginseng root has a number of health benefits, including improving energy level and mental clarity. Ginseng is also known to relieve fatigue, headaches and memory problems. If you’re looking for a boost, try making this delicious herbal tea!

What you’ll need:

Ginseng root

Boiling water

Measuring spoons

Vegetable peeler or sharp knife

Cutting board

Muslin tea bags or steeper

Directions:
Using the vegetable peeler or knife, slice the ginseng root into small slivers. Continue by taking about one tablespoon of sliced ginseng and put it into a muslin tea bag. Then, secure/close the tea bag. Put the tea bag in your mug or cup and pour the boiling water over the tea bag. Finally, steep the tea for at least five minutes, then enjoy!

In Seventh Heaven with Hibiscus
Hibiscus tea is a tart drink made with the dried petals of the hibiscus plant. In addition to aiding digestion, hibiscus tea is also known for lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, protecting the liver and managing menstrual pain. Rich in vitamin C, hibiscus tea has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Similar to a sports drink, this delicious brew can also satiate thirst—so make some at home today!

What you’ll need:

Two teaspoons of dried hibiscus flowers

Your preferred healthy sweetener

Boiling water

Teapot

Metal strainer or coffee filter

Directions:
Place the dried hibiscus flowers into an empty teapot then pour the boiling water into the teapot until it’s filled to the brim. Steep the tea for five minutes, until the water turns a rich red color. Then strain the tea as you pour it into your teacup or mug, and drink to enjoy!